ST 517/01 Syllabus Spring 2017 Reformed Theological Seminary Systematic Theology Christology, Soteriology, Eschatology Meeting Information Meeting Time: Tuesdays, 8:00 PM 12:00 PM (January 31 May 9) Meeting Place: D1 Contact Information Prof.: D. Blair Smith (office: lower level in E building) Office Phone: 704-366-5066 (x4223) Email: bsmith@rts.edu Hours: Thursdays 1:00 PM 3:00 PM and by appointment Course Description This course will systematically present biblical teaching on the topics of Christology, Soteriology, and Eschatology as understood and taught within the Reformed tradition, demonstrating that these formulations (1) represent the proper understanding of Scripture, (2) inherit and carry forward the best of the ancient teachings of the Church, and (3) provide the people of God the doctrine needed in order to thrive as disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ in the twenty-first century. Course Objectives 1. To base all of our theology of the Christology, Soteriology, and Eschatology in God s revelation in Scripture. 2. To enable the student to better grasp related doctrines through familiarity with their exegetical and theological foundations, while also being acquainted with both relevant historical and contemporary discussions, so that they can clearly and confidently communicate them in preaching, teaching, and counseling. 3. To explore and appreciate the confessional expressions concerning these doctrines within the Reformed tradition, especially in the Westminster Standards.
Texts and Abbreviations Summary (required) RD: Herman Bavinck, Reformed Dogmatics: volume 4, Holy Spirit, Church, and New Creation, pp. 29-270; 589-730 (chapters 1-4; 12-18) NTBT: G. K. Beale, A New Testament Biblical Theology: The Unfolding of the Old Testament in the New, pp. 88-116; 129-160; 187-297; 651-749; 835-870 (chapters 3, 5, 7-9, 20-21, 25) THS: Sinclair B. Ferguson, The Holy Spirit, pp. 11-56; 93-189; 241-255 (chapters 1-2; 5-8, 11 - *if you take Systematic Theology: Ecclesiology and Sacraments you will read this whole book) ST: Douglas F. Kelly, Systematic Theology, Volume 2; The Beauty of Christ: A Trinitarian Vision, pp. 45-100; 139-217; 229-259; 295-490; 501-522 (chapters 1-5, 7-12) Confession (required) WCF: The Westminster Confession of Faith(chapters 6-18, 32-33) Supplemental Readings (required available on Canvas) R. Michael Allen, The Place of Justification in Christian Theology, in Justification and the Gospel: Understanding the Contexts and Controversies, pp. 3-31 (chapter 1) Anselm of Canterbury, Christ s Atonement for Sin, in Readings in Christian Thought, pp. 85-93 Richard Bauckham, Eschatology, in The Oxford Handbook of Systematic Theology, pp. 306-321 (chapter 17) Richard Gaffin, The Work of Christ Applied in Christian Dogmatics: Reformed Theology for the Church Catholic, pp. 268-290 (chapter 12) Jonathan Gibson, For Whom Did Christ Die? Particularism and Universalism in the Pauline Epistles and The Glorious, Indivisible, Trinitarian Work of God in Christ: Definite Atonement in Paul s Theology of Salvation, in From Heaven He Came and Sought Her: Definite Atonement in Historical, Biblical, Theological, and Pastoral Perspective, pp. 289-374 (chapters 12-13) Michael Horton, Eschatology, in Mapping Modern Theology: A Thematic and Historical Introduction, pp. 377-402 (chapter 15) Richard Lints, Soteriology, in Mapping Modern Theology: A Thematic and Historical Introduction, pp. 259-291 (chapter 11) Donald Macleod, The Work of Christ Accomplished in Christian Dogmatics: Reformed Theology for the Church Catholic, pp. 243-267 (chapter 11) Maximus the Confessor, Opuscule 3, in Maximus the Confessor, pp. 192-198
Fred Sanders, Introduction to Christology: Chalcedonian Categories for the Gospel Narrative, in Jesus in Trinitarian Perspective: An Intermediate Christology, pp. 1-43 (chapter 1) Requirements 1. Attend and be ready to participate in every class. 2. Complete the required reading for each week. 3. Weekly Reading Response (10%) Students will upload to Canvas by the end of the day before class meets (Monday) a document containing two elements: (1) three quotes from the week s required reading, which you found interesting or challenging. You are also to provide (2) a 200 word response (approximately 12 typed lines) to one of the three listed quotes. The quote should not be included in the response. This response is an opportunity to interact with the idea and/or author in a critical (positive or negative or questioning) manner. 4. Reading report (20%) Attached to the second exam, students will turn in a reading report stating the percentage of the assigned readings that they have read with reasonable care over the course of the semester. 5. Term Paper (20%) Students will write a 15-20 page term paper (typed and double-spaced, with appropriate footnoting and bibliography in Turabian style) on one of the topics treated in the course. Make sure you (1) present a clear thesis; (2) have a proper introduction and conclusion and a clear structure for your essay; (3) deal with the relevant information competently and fairly to all sides; (4) where necessary, engage primary sources; (5) offer critical analysis (and not merely summary) of the positions and views you engage; (6) where relevant, consider the implications and significance of your investigation for the life of the church; and (7) use at least 8 scholarly sources. If it would be helpful, please consult with the professor on initial bibliography. *More details on this paper forthcoming. *Due: May 2 nd 6. Exams (50%) Students will take two exams which will test your grasp of doctrinal topics covered in class lectures and readings as well as your ability to communicate doctrinal topics in a clear and cogent manner. Midterm Exam: March 27-31 Final Exam: May 11-16
*Weekly schedule, including reading, will be made available in January. For Further Reading In addition to systematic theological works that would be helpful to consult, such as those by Calvin, Turretin, Hodge, Berkhof, Frame, and Bray, the following books will assist further study of the doctrinal topics discussed in this course. Khaled Anatolios, Retrieving Nicaea: The Development and Meaning of Trinitarian Doctrine Karl Barth, Church Dogmatics, 4 vols. Richard Bauckham, God Crucified: Monotheism and Christology in the New Testament G. C. Berkouwer, Faith and Sanctification Michael Bird, Craig A. Evans, Simon J. Gathercole, Charles E. Hill, and Chris Tilling, How God Became Jesus: The Real Origins of Belief in Jesus Divine Nature Wilhelmus à Brakel, The Christian s Reasonable Service, 4 vols. James Buchanan, The Doctrine of Justification D. A. Carson, The Difficult Doctrine of the Love of God Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2d edition Gordon Fee, Pauline Christology Richard B. Gaffin, By Faith, Not By Sight : Paul and the Order of Salvation Simon Gathercole, Defending Substitution: An Essay on Atonement in Paul Edward R. Hardy, ed., Christology of the Later Fathers Charles E. Hill and Frank A. James, III, eds., The Glory of the Atonement: Biblical, Theological, and Practical Perspectives Grant Macaskill, Union with Christ in the New Testament Donald Macleod, Christ Crucified: Understanding the Atonement Richard Muller, Calvin and the Reformed Tradition: On the Work of Christ and the Order of Salvation John Murray, Redemption Accomplished and Applied Aidan Nicols, Chalice of God: A Systematic Theology in Outline John Owen, Brief Declaration and Vindication of the Doctrine of the Trinity [includes a chapter, Of the Satisfaction of Christ ] in Works of John Owen, vol. 2 John Owen, Christologia in Works of John Owen, vol. 1 John Owen, Overcoming Sin and Temptation, ed. Kelly M. Kapic and Justin Taylor Robert A. Peterson, Hell on Trial: The Case for Eternal Punishment J. C. Ryle, Holiness: Its Nature, Hindrances, Difficulties, and Roots Friedrich Schleiermacher, The Christian Faith John Stott, The Cross of Christ Kathryn Tanner, Christ the Key J. van Genderen and W. H. Velema, Concise Reformed Dogmatics Cornelis P. Venema, But for the Grace of God: An Exposition of the Canons of Dort Herman Witsius, The Economy of the Covenants Between God and Man
N. T. Wright, The Resurrection of the Son of God Course Objectives Related to MDiv Student Learning Outcomes With Mini Justification Course: ST517 Professor: D. Blair Smith Campus: Charlotte Date: Spring 2017 Articulation (oral & written) Scripture Reformed Theology Sanctification Desire for Worldview MDiv Student Learning Outcomes Broadly understands and articulates knowledge, both oral and written, of essential biblical, theological, historical, and cultural/global information, including details, concepts, and frameworks. Significant knowledge of the original meaning of Scripture. Also, the concepts for and skill to research further into the original meaning of Scripture and to apply Scripture to a variety of modern circumstances. (Includes appropriate use of original languages and hermeneutics; and integrates theological, historical, and cultural/global perspectives.) Significant knowledge of Reformed theology and practice, with emphasis on the Westminster Standards. Demonstrates a love for the Triune God that aids the student s sanctification. Burning desire to conform all of life to the Word of God. Rubric Minimal None Mini Justification Students are required to express and articulate views based on readings, research, and class lectures, while incorporating their own viewpoints. The emphases of this course, Christology, Soteriology, and Eschatology, each find their explanation by returning to the Scriptures for understanding. Although Scripture is the primary voice in this course, much of it is interpreted in the light of reformed theology, and backed up by the Westminster Standards. Students will not only learn theological truths about Christ, salvation, and the end times, but will also be taught how to view each of these in a biblically sound perspective. Seeing life through the lens of an accurate understanding of Christology, Soteriology, and Eschatology affects everything that we do.
Winsomely Reformed/ Evangelistic Preach Worship Shepherd Church/World Embraces a winsomely Reformed ethos. (Includes an appropriate ecumenical spirit with other Christians, especially Evangelicals; a concern to present the Gospel in a God honoring manner to non Christians; and a truth in love attitude in disagreements.) Ability to preach and teach the meaning of Scripture to both heart and mind with clarity and enthusiasm. Knowledgeable of historic and modern Christianworship forms; and ability to construct and skill to lead a worship service. Ability to shepherd the local congregation: aiding in spiritual maturity; promoting use of gifts and callings; and encouraging a concern for non Christians, both in America and worldwide. Ability to interact within a denominational context, within the broader worldwide church, and with significant public issues. Because each of these are controversial topics, other views are considered, discussed, and addressed in light of Scripture.who disagree. The content of this class will help students to better understand these controversial issues, thus greatly aiding their preaching. This course will be instrumental for students in understanding many of the elements in the worship service. The content of this class is significant in aiding leaders to not only lead their congregations to maturity, but also to safeguard against erroneous doctrine in the church. This class utilizes the teachings of the Church Fathers and other theologians from throughout history, and thereby offers a rich emphasis on history. Many of the issues that the church has faced in the past continue to plague the church today, and this course offers orthodox responses to those issues.